all for tank commander ...

Home > Site news > History of American tank production. M6A2E1 reluctant fighter (Aces)

[1,999,002]

In World of Tanks, one tank, which is haunted by some. It M6A2E1 Heavy Tank, we have nicknamed “Goose” and abroad Alien (for head off, of course). At the time when it was modeled on a completely unknown reasons, he washed down the body from the M6 ​​Heavy Tank, as it is possible, I myself personally interested. So the emergence of a new, redesigned model M6A2E1 caused quite understandable interest.

So, what is behind the tank will soon appear in the game? It is true, many point to the pictures where M6A2E1 sported quite common body of M6A2 Heavy Tank. Let us understand, for quite complicated story.

M6A2E1 Heavy Tank history began at the end of July 1944. Vengeance is a battle of Normandy, the Allies gradually jostle the Germans. Americans themselves “Tigers” have not seen (general hello Hollywood Yeah, where are the Americans, “the Tigers” was not in sight), but the British, Canadians and Poles feel the power of the German heavy tanks in full. In mid-July 1944 takes effect 503 s.Pz.Abt, armed with the latest heavy tanks Pz.Kpfw.Tiger Ausf.B. The application is a very peculiar one (Tiger II is generally protaranennym English Sherman V under the command of Lieutenant John Gorman), but heavy tank is immediately noticed and appreciated. It immediately became clear that the adequate means to deal with Tiger II of the Americans do not.

For July 28, 1944 the Department of Arms offers ideas about what you can beat the new German tank. July 31 is assigned to General Electric for the installation of a 105-mm gun into the tank T5E1 M6. Cannon from the outset was developed for installation in tank destroyer T28 Heavy Tank, which was developed on the basis of M6 Heavy Tank since autumn 1943.

Note that the original project M6A2E1 Heavy Tank is very different from what it was finally implemented in the metal. Despite the fact that the projected machine rassmatrialas primarily as a tank destroyer, its creators have taken care of adequate reservations. The bow of the M6A1 Heavy Tank was replaced by a structure devoid of viewing devices, coaxial machine gun and other joys of life. But she had a thickness of 190 mm and rational angles. Visibility from the driver’s significantly decreased, but the armor with the American tank crews with similar problems would willingly tolerated. Moreover, in the original draft tower was supposed to do on the basis of the “head» M6 Heavy Tank in addition a massive feeding niche, which was supposed to perform, including the role of counterweight.

According to the documents, Genaral Electric received an order for urgent alteration 15 M6 Heavy Tank. TTC Heavy Tank M6A2E1 as at the time were as follows: [1,999,022] [1,999,024]

In short, it turns hypertrophic Sherman Firefly, a slow but well armored, but still with a gun that can quite successfully penetrate almost everything that the Germans built. August 1 the company Wellman received an order for 15 towers, order M6A2E1 increased to 18 tanks, but …

In general, Ike looked at all this mess and gave the verdict – it is not necessary, it happened August 18, 1944. Another nail in the coffin M6A2E1 drove generals from the Department of weapons that August 14 suggested that build heavy tanks T29 and T30 will be more correct idea. As a result, August 22, 1944 the construction of 15 M6A2E1 Heavy Tank canceled. But it is not until the end – was later built two samples that were designed to test for heavy tank guns T29. Pictures of these machines and appear as “the same» M6A2E1.

Meanwhile, in reality it is only part of the upgrade. It was assumed that the nose of the remake according to the project, but for financial reasons the idea refused. Why the extra costs if the tank is still meant to be a test bed? However, look at the original job he was like this:

It is in this form of the game and it gets. Game screenshots see here.

Sources: NARA RP Hunnicutt: Firepower – A History of the American Heavy Tank Original Source